This is the Scientific Surgery Archive, which contains all randomized clinical trials in surgery that have been identified by searching the top 50 English language medical journal issues since January 1998. Compiled by Jonothan J. Earnshaw, former Editor-in-Chief, BJS
Prospective study of open preperitoneal mesh repair for recurrent inguinal hernia. BJS 2002; 89: 90-93.
Published: 5th November 2002
Authors: M. Kurzer, P. A. Belsham, A. E. Kark
Background
Recurrent inguinal hernia presents a significant clinical problem with high re‐recurrence and complication rates, particularly when an anterior approach is used. This study evaluated the open preperitoneal approach for repair of recurrent inguinal hernia.
Method
This was a prospective cohort study of 101 consecutive patients with 114 recurrent inguinal hernias. All were operated on using an open preperitoneal technique and prosthetic mesh by the method of Stoppa or Wantz. Follow‐up was at 2–6 weeks, 15 and between 42 and 54 months.
Results
There were no major complications. There was one infection and one case of retention of urine. There were no testicular complications. There were five recurrences, all within 6 months of operation, four of which were among the first 20 cases. Modifications to the original technique were made, and one recurrence occurred in the remaining 81 patients (1 per cent) or 106 hernias (1 per cent).
Conclusion
Preperitoneal mesh repair gives results far superior to those of the commonly used anterior approach. It is safer and easier to learn than laparoscopic repair and is the procedure of choice for complex multirecurrent inguinal hernia. © 2002 British Journal of Surgery Society Ltd
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